Pressure-Balanced Poppet Valve for Leak-Tight Inflation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pneumatic inflation systems face issues with pressure balance, increased actuation forces with larger valve sizes and operating pressures, and leak tightness at extreme temperatures, particularly due to the use of elastomer O-ring seals, and require dismantling for reset after each use with a new electrical squib.
Innovation Solution
A poppet type pneumatic valve system operated by a two-way solenoid valve, featuring a pressure-balanced design with dynamic seals and a vent system, which maintains leak tightness at extreme temperatures and allows for easy reset without dismantling, using a pressurized bottle and solenoid valve to control fluid flow and maintain the valve position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a normally closed main valve is sealed to a gas bottle with elastomer O-ring seals, then internal leak tightness is achieved in closed positions, but leak tightness deteriorates at extreme operating temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sealing mechanism from elastomer O-rings to a metal-to-metal poppet valve seal. This parameter change in sealing material and mechanism enables the valve to maintain leak tightness at extreme temperatures where elastomers would fail due to thermal degradation or hardening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the elastomer-based mechanical sealing system with a poppet valve design that uses a rigid seal face. This substitution eliminates the temperature sensitivity of elastomers while maintaining the sealing function through precise mechanical alignment and contact between the poppet and valve seat.
2Ease of operation
If conventional pneumatic valves are actuated by electrical squibs, then valve opening is achieved, but the system requires dismantling and reset for further use with a new electrical squib
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a resettable poppet valve mechanism where the valve automatically returns to its closed position after actuation through a spring-loaded return system. This self-resetting capability eliminates the need for manual dismantling and reassembly, allowing the same valve to be reused multiple times without complex maintenance procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements including a movable poppet, spring mechanism, and reset system that enable the valve to transition between open and closed states repeatedly. This dynamic design replaces the single-use nature of squib-actuated valves with a reusable mechanical system that maintains functionality through controlled movement and automatic resetting.
3Device complexity
If pneumatic inflation systems are not pressure balanced, then valve actuation is simpler, but actuation forces increase with main valve size and operating pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pressure-balanced valve design where a balance piston or chamber compensates for the high operating pressure acting on the valve disc. This counterbalancing mechanism reduces the net force required to actuate the valve by offsetting the pressure differential, enabling smaller actuators to control larger valves at high pressures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary pressure-balancing chamber or piston between the actuator and the main valve disc. This intermediary element distributes and balances the pressure forces, reducing the mechanical load on the actuator while maintaining effective valve control at high operating pressures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves improved leak tightness over a wide temperature range, reduces actuation forces, and allows for efficient operation and reset without the need for frequent dismantling, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of pneumatic inflation systems.
Implementation Method 1
solenoid valve (60) operated by a two-way solenoid valve
Implementation Method 2
inlet fluid pressure acts on a spool in an opening direction
Implementation Method 3
friction between the spool and an actuator piston rod
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An inflation system (5) is provided and includes a housing assembly defining inlet and command cavities (11), a poppet (40) disposable within the housing assembly to assume open or closed positions, a pressurized bottle (50) to pressurize the inlet cavity (11) to bias the poppet (40) toward the closed position and a solenoid valve (60). The solenoid valve is interposable between the pressurized bottle (50) and the command cavity. The solenoid valve (60) is normally closed and selectively openable to permit fluid flow from the pressurized bottle (50) to pressurize the command cavity such that the poppet (40) is biased toward the open position.